Monday, June 15, 2026
ADVT 
National

Leave regulators to approve COVID tests: Freeland

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Sep, 2020 08:27 PM
  • Leave regulators to approve COVID tests: Freeland

Health Canada says it can't provide any information about the status of any of the rapid-testing devices for COVID-19 it is reviewing.

Pressure is mounting on the federal government to approve tests that can provide faster results as hospitals and public health agencies across Canada struggle to keep up with the demand for COVID-19 testing.

Deputy Conservative leader Candice Bergen says the government promised in March that getting rapid tests was a priority and yet half a year later, there are still none in use in Canada.

At least 14 such devices are under review by Health Canada but the department's spokesman says he cannot comment on the status of the applications during the scientific assessment process.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it would be wrong for politicians to put pressure on Health Canada to approve any of the devices.

Several other countries have had some of the faster tests in use for months now, including Japan and the United States, but Health Minister Patty Hajdu said last week Canada is not yet convinced the technology is good enough.

MORE National ARTICLES

Prison Watchdog Decries 'Indigenization' Of Canada's Correctional System

Prison Watchdog Decries 'Indigenization' Of Canada's Correctional System
Correctional investigator Ivan Zinger says the numbers are even more troubling for Indigenous women, who account for 42 per cent of the female prison population.    

Prison Watchdog Decries 'Indigenization' Of Canada's Correctional System

Canada To Start Ratifying New NAFTA Next Week Following U.S. Approval: Trudeau

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will move swiftly next week to formally approve North America's new, long-delayed free trade pact.    

Canada To Start Ratifying New NAFTA Next Week Following U.S. Approval: Trudeau

PM Trudeau Insists Iran Respect Families' Wishes When It Comes To Burials

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is insisting Iran respect the wishes of families when it comes to burying those who died when a passenger jet was shot down outside Tehran, noting doing so would also respect the principles of Islam.

PM Trudeau Insists Iran Respect Families' Wishes When It Comes To Burials

Lineups Outside Grocery Stores In St. John's As State Of Emergency Hits Day 5

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Residents of St. John's, N.L., were lining up for food today as supermarkets opened for the first time since last week's massive blizzard to allow people to restock supplies.    

Lineups Outside Grocery Stores In St. John's As State Of Emergency Hits Day 5

Liberals Aim To Find Common Ground When Parliament Resumes Next Week

"Canadians at our best, in difficult times, are there for each other," Trudeau said Tuesday in Winnipeg after wrapping up a three-day meeting of his federal cabinet.    

Liberals Aim To Find Common Ground When Parliament Resumes Next Week

Iran Has Asked For Technical Help On Black Boxes In Downed Plane

Iran needs technical assistance from France and the United States to analyze data from the Ukrainian jetliner that was accidentally shot down, says a preliminary report released by the country's National Aviation Authority on Monday.    

Iran Has Asked For Technical Help On Black Boxes In Downed Plane